As the trading season drew to a close, Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees pulled off the blockbuster deal of the summer acquiring the highly coveted Bobby Abreu for a mere two minor league pitchers, who may or may not turn into quality major league players.

In Abreu, Cashman received a relatively young, albeit expensive, right fielder who may not hustle as much as others, but can get on base more than most, drive in runs, and steal some bases. But even though this was the most talked about piece of the Yankees’ shopping agenda, I don’t think he is the most valuable acquisition by a long shot. The bit parts, namely Cory Lidle, picked up with Abreu, and Craig Wilson, acquired for rotation outcast Shawn Chacon, plan to play a significant role in the Yankees’ quest for another championship.

With Lidle, the Yankees get a bottom-end starter able to stabilize the rotation unlike any other pitcher the Yanks have used in that spot (Shawn Chacon, Aaron Small, etc.). With the likely rotation being Mike Mussina, Chien-Ming Wang, Randy Johnson, Jaret Wright, and now Lidle, the Yankees have a rotation that may be able to contend with the White Sox, Red Sox, and anything to come out of the West. And if luck is on their side, maybe Detroit as well. At any rate, the Yankees now have become the team to beat in the AL East thanks to a series of injuries to the Red Sox and the complete collapse of Toronto. And if Lidle’s first two starts (1-1, 3.60 ERA) are any sign of things to come, the Yankees have again paid the right price for a chance to win.

First baseman-right fielder Craig Wilson brings a veteran bat to the Yanks as well as the ability to play multiple positions and hit with some power (14 HR in 288 AB). With Wilson, the Yanks also receive insurance in case of an injury to Jason Giambi and the ability to give him a rest and not lose much production. This also allows the Yankees to rely less heavily on Andy Philips and allow him to develop a bit more as they continue their pursuit of another division title. With Wilson mostly playing first base after the Abreu deal, look for Giambi to see plenty of time at the DH spot and Wilson to continue to be more than the reserve he was in Pittsburgh.

With these two players living up to expectations, and the potential returns of Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield, the Yankees are locked and loaded for a playoff run and another World Series Championship.

Justin Culver is a regular contributor to Atomic Sports Media. He can be reached at justin.culver@atomicsportsmedia.com.